Lyon ready to recruit Delgado
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Article summary
Having allowed Fábio Santos to return to Brazil on loan, Olympique Lyonnais expect to make Argentinian forward César Delgado their first midwinter signing.
Article body
With defensive midfielder Fábio Santos spending the next six months on loan at São Paulo FC for family reasons, and striker Fred reportedly bound for Paris Saint-Germain FC, Olympique Lyonnais expect to make Argentinian forward César Delgado their first signing of the transfer window this week.
'Superb moments'
Santos, a 27-year-old Brazilian, arrived in a €4m switch from Cruzeiro EC a year ago and has appeared in eight Ligue 1 matches this season, scoring once, against RC Lens in September. Lyon official Bernard Lacombe said: "It's very tough for him to leave us now. He's disappointed to go because he's enjoyed some superb moments with the team and fans."
Agreement reached
The departure of the South American, and likely exit of countryman Fred, together with the awarding of a Portuguese passport to captain Cris, means Lyon are poised to have three free slots for non-EU players. One of those will be filled by Delgado, who is due to join this week from CD Cruz Azul in Mexico after the clubs reached an agreement for the 26-year-old's transfer. Lyon meet Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round next month.
